When our family was young,
we took many road trips into the
Great Smokey Mountains,
usually early fall.
In those days, before interstates,
the roads were winding and curvy.
Often times we would stop at
little mountain roadside stands,
having been encouraged for
miles by signs along the
highway reading...
"Apples For Sale"
On one such occasion,
we met what we thought to be
a real mountain man.
He wore coveralls and an old hat,
making
quite an impression as he
sat in a strait legged chair,
leaning against a porch wall.
He was friendly,
smiled easily and was generous
with his stories.
When asked, he told us his
favorite apples
were "Rome Beauts."
He was actually peeling a
Rome Beauty apple,
cutting and eating it with his
pocket knife.
He described the
flavor and the cooking
possibilities.
We were sold and purchased
a full bushel. Our family has
never forgotten that
experience.
Rome Beauties, from
that day on were a favorite
in our home.
They were good just for eating,
frying with brown sugar,
butter and cinnamon
and they made great apple pies.
We still call them,
affectionately, "Rome Beauts."
The Mister and I plan to drive up
to the mountains when the leaves begin
changing colors. There's nothing
more beautiful to me than fall in
North Carolina.
Just maybe we'll find a roadside
stand or two selling apples, and the
kind we'll most likely buy will go
without saying.
Have a sweet ole' day....Dee Dee
